In his description of the imprisonment and death of Socrates, Plato gives us a look at who he was. In many of Plato’s other works, Socrates is more of a character in the dialogue. However, in Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito, we see him for the man he was – his commitment to being virtuous in the most dire of circumstances
Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito
These three works detail the conversations of Socrates while he was imprisoned and awaiting his trial. The Apology details the trial of Socrates and the defense he put forward. Ultimately, his defense fell short and Socrates was sentenced to death by poison. However, it shows his incredible ability to get to truth and to make a defense for himself. Plus, it shows the injustice of his trial and his willingness to suffer in service of the truth.
Grab your copy of the Symposium, Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo>>The other two works detail conversations of Socrates while in jail. In Euthyphro, he discusses whether the holy are loved by the gods because they are holy, or if they are holy because they are loved by the gods.
The better of the two dialogues from prison is Crito, where Socrates explains why he’s not going to flee and instead await trial. This dialogue shows his courage and nobility. He knew his fate was sealed if he went to trial, but he did so anyways. However, he didn’t do it out of some suicidal mission, but out of love for truth and earnestness to do what is right.
Grab your copy of the Symposium, Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo>>Trial of Socrates
The trial of Socrates was not fair, and was in fact largely a sham. Despite a fantastic defense of himself recorded in the Apology by Plato, he was ultimately convicted.
Death of Socrates
After Socrates’ trial he was sentenced to death by poison. As the virtuous man that he was, he willingly accepted his fate. His courage and willingness to die for what he thought to be right is admirable, and we should try to emulate that.
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